Dawson travelled with an 50-man Ireland squad for a training camp in Poland in preparation for a season that coach Eddie O'Sullivan says is busy to say the least.

Dawson's career has been plighted by injury having missed the last two Six Nations campaigns with respective neck and knee injuries.

However, the Bangor-born flanker is now nearing full rehabilitation, giving O'Sullivan hopes of another back-row option.

Dawson, however, will be cutting short his date in Poland short as he will staying for just one of the two weeks at the forest enclave at Spala.

While Dawson was granted some leave of absence from his emplaoyers, Harlequins refused Ireland skipper Keith Wood or fly-half Paul Burke time off.

However, O'Sullivan is not too worried about the absence of his charismatic leader.

''I'm not that perturbed,'' said O'Sullivan who toured possible World Cup sites in Australia following the New Zealand tour.

''The next two weeks are really for physical work and training, so it's not that important for those players.

''When the squad comes back, they will have a week off, and then there is a very important week in Limerick.

''It's more important that all the players chosen for that squad will be available as it involves getting down to patterns and plays as well as technical stuff.

''But I'm delighted with the progress that Kieron has made. He looks in great shape at present.

''It is going to be a very busy year for us, but everyone is looking forward to it.

''Coming off the summer tour to New Zealand there is a tremendous buzz in the squad.